“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla
“The words Collective Wave were born from the understanding of music... Music as vibration, vibration as sound, sound as light, physical and spiritual patterns… all coming together through a harmonial frequency which carries and expands information in order to create and move forward, to then create and move forward. This is a collective of waves.”
 |
| Photo by Cleo, mystikspiralz on Instagram |
2014 began strong! Full of energy and ready for what ever comes forth and what ever we choose to manifest. Every new year comes with improvements and so we will continue to grow towards what we believe...
After many hours of traveling we are back in Quito. We headed out to the coast of Ecuador from January 5th to the 13th. We went to Canoa, volunteered at the Rio Muchacho Orgánic Farm and then ended up in Montañita for the weekend.
It was all an amazing learning experience and it is bringing us closer to our sustainable and resilient goals.
Table of Contents:
- Rio Muchacho / Jan. 6th - Jan. 10th
- Montañita / Jan. 10th. - Jan. 12th
Audiopharmacy Prescription
Hot off the AP lab, "Unify The Tribes" - is the latest music video/mini-documentary. Follow Audiopharmacy and watch Teao's formerly instrumental production known as "Revolution TV" get laced with lyrical love from talented musicians hailing from Detroit, Trinidad & Tobago, and the S. Pacific. The video was filmed during and shortly upon completing last year's American Music Abroad Tour.
"Unify The Tribes" by Teao (Audiopharmacy) features Bhismo KunoKini, Niska, Hendra, @Soundwave Soundwave of the Pacific, Mr. Grin, Khari KILL, students from Manurewa High School, Mahogany Jones, theConservatorium Of Music in Fiji, and the lovely and creative people of Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, and Solomon Islands we were blessed to cross paths with during the AMA tour last year! Much luv and appreciation for the inspiration. Thank you for the opportunity to creat meaningful connections and memories!
.- By Love/Speak Audiopharmacy
If you enjoy it and it makes you feel good, pls. share far and wide! Link to share:
Rio Muchacho Organic Farm / Jan. 6th - Jan. 10th
.- By Love/Speak Audiopharmacy
If you enjoy it and it makes you feel good, pls. share far and wide! Link to share:
More picture of Rio Muchacho click here
We arrived in Canoa at 7am with some travel delay. Until we arranged our trip to the Rio Muchacho we stayed at a hostel for the day. This hostel is called Cyber Surf Rider, with internet, computers and surf boards to rent. The owners of this space are friends with my father. They gave us a big hug and warm welcome. During the rest of the day we worked on setting up our trip to Rio Muchacho. After a few options managing our economic issues, we began the trip to the farm the next day.
Jan. 7th 2013
We arrived at the farm at 12:30pm for lunch. We had an amazing healthy meal and had a great opportunity to meet farm workers and volunteers. Everyone was very welcoming and really cool. After lunch at 1:00pm we began our volunteer hours. We worked at the following:
- Weeding beds from the garden. About 3 volunteers were weeding the beds for a few hours. It was great to observe many different kinds of food being produced. More than I could count or keep track of. The farm has different kinds of lettuce, tomato, onions, pepper, broccoli, papaya, banana, watermelon, oranges, and a lot more… a little bit of everything. Vegetables and fruits I have never seen before or knew that they existed. I would love to come back to Rio Muchacho and learn more about how they organically produce their food in this area (Learning and practicing Permaculture).
- Making spoons for the kitchen. Made out of Máte fruit. (Different from Yerba Mate). The outside layer of this fruit is almost as hard as a coconut. The inside looks like guanabana but it tastes very bitter. A juice can probably be made out of this fruit. To make the spoons we scooped out all the inside meat of the fruit and left the hard outer layer very clean. Next, we started using a sandpaper machine to make a nice circular shape of it. At the end, we were able to create a pattern design on the other side of the spoon, enhancing its look…
 |
| Photo by Cleo Fung |
- We unloaded a truck full of palm leaves for the roofs of a couple of cabins. The day before was raining very hard in Canoa, the farm was affected as well. Parts of the roof from a couple of cabin buildings started leaks. The type of roof style that is being used at this farm lasts about 18-20 years. if properly assembled. This roof is part of natural building, therefore sustainable, affordable and temporary. It can always be improved and have some nicely finished designs for it to last longer. This type of roof needs maintenance at least every 15 years. The builder of the buildings at the Rio Muchacho farm is amazingly talented. He also lives at the farm.
To harvest rainwater at the farm, there is a metal roof that collects it into a tank, to then be filtered for drinking water. The previously mentioned roof style does not collect water. However, we can experiment with different ways for this roof to eventually do so.
Jan. 8th 2013
The working day starts at 6:15am. More like 5:45 to wake up and get ready, though full of energy since we went to bed early after reading a book. Many birds woke us up before our alarm went off. It is amazing how many species live there. From tucan to bats, boas to big spiders, and more. The loudest times for animals to express themselves was early morning and evening around 7pm. All scary at first, but then it feels that we become family. Specially, since after the understanding that we all have functions in order to survive together. A full day of work ahead…
- 6:15am Feeding the animals and cleaning stables, paths and other spaces. There are chickens, pigs, horses, guinea pigs. An amazing moment to connect with animals and learn their way of life and productive functions. This is a daily routine in order to maintain a clean healthy space for the animals.
- Worm casting/Humus. We scooped the humus (rich soil used for seedlings that has been treated by worms) that was ready into sacks. While doing this, we know it's ready or not by seeing how many worms are present. If there are still quite a few worms, that means they are not done working. Therefore, the soil should be left alone. The manure is used as one of the best fertilizers for the soil. To feed the worms, we used food scraps, other plants and manure from horse and pigs.
 |
| Photo by Cleo, mystikspiralz on Instagram |
- 7:30am Huge Breakfast has been served. From fruit salad to fresh home baked yuca bread with cheese to coffee, tea, oatmeal, and marmalade.
Cleo went to work on weeding the garden, harvesting bok choy, cucumber, carrots for lunch and helping Nori, the lady in the kitchen with cooking fresh lunch for the day.
My experience as a substitute teacher was amazing. We had a class of 12 kids, 3rd and 4th graders joined into one. We got to know each other first and later with Miguel we came up with a lesson plan about the environment. As an environmental school, we wanted to assure that certain subjects are covered, such as reducing or even not producing waste. We found plenty of trash around the floor of the school as well as all their trash bins being full. Even though this is information they have already learned, it seemed to be reviewed and put into practice again. So we did a group effort and cleaned the school as well as creating a proper system to distribute waste and avoiding such in the first place. They also didn’t have water to drink at the school. For homework, we agreed that for the next day we can bring our lunch and water with less waste. In other words, bringing their food and water in reusable containers to reduse plastic bags and other packing material.
- Water
- Soil
- Animals
- Nature
We all agreed that without any of these natural elements, humans would not exist. Therefore, we cannot contaminate and create waste, as well as using only what we need. Being mindful of our actions. For homework, we agreed that for the next day we can bring our lunch and water with less waste. In other words, bringing their food and water in reusable containers and reduce plastic bags and other packing material.
- 12pm An amazing lunch has been prepared. Organic and abundant for all.
 |
| Photo by Cleo Fung |
 |
| Photo by Cleo, mystikspiralz on Instagram |
-6:30pm Dinner of rice, fish, green beans, and platano.
-7-9:30pm After dinner, we went down to the river to have a bonfire. Stefan (Germany) went ahead to gather wood while it was still light out. We shared some interesting stories, some silly songs, some bad jokes, and had many photographs from Betty (Belgium), and overall sharing a beautiful warm night with nature and its wonders. We are grateful to have met all the wonderful people from this experience. Everyone is really cool...!
Jan. 9th 2013
We had a calm work day. It felt like that since it was our day to leave the farm.
- 6:15am Feeding the animals and cleaning routine.
- 7:30am Healthy and abundant breakfast time
- 8:30am Tasks assigned for everyone.
I went back to “Escuela Ambientalista Rio
Muchacho” and continued the class from the day before. I was happy to see improvement in lunch material and environment awareness. On this day we also had the opportunity to teach a math class to the students from the younger class. First and second graders. We came up with a few fun math games that helped them remember. An overall great experience. After class we had a fun soccer game.
Cleo and Stefan worked on maintenance within the farm complex. They cleared out old plants and did some general clean up. Right before lunch she did a little bird watching where she spotted a white heron, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds.
-12pm Lunch
Upon our arrival in the evening, it was easy to see that we had come during peak season. The streets were lined with food vendors, jewelry vendors, and street performers. After we settled in our hostel, we decided to go check out the nightlife! As I may have mentioned before, Montañita is a bit of a party town, therefore, the party is pretty much everywhere. There are a handful of larger nightclubs that charge a small cover to get in, usually with a perk such as a free drink or open bar. These kinds of places usually play House music or top radio hits. And then there are outdoor bar vendors who sling tiki-bar type drinks for $3 and blast reggae-ton and salsa, encouraging people to dance right in the middle of the street. We also came across a live band playing in the middle of an intersection. On top of all that, there’s the beach where there are more people, food vendors, beer slingers, and music.
I went back to “Escuela Ambientalista Rio
Cleo and Stefan worked on maintenance within the farm complex. They cleared out old plants and did some general clean up. Right before lunch she did a little bird watching where she spotted a white heron, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds.
-12pm Lunch
- 1:30pm After lunch we had of class of Apiculture - Bee Keeping. It was very interesting to learn about the Bee kingdom and the importance of Honey, Própolis, Pollen, Wax, Royal Jelly and even sting therapy.
- 2:30pm We couldn't leave the farm without having a proper tour of the farm. Franz (Germany) an intern, lead the Tour for a few of us that haven’t taken the tour yet. Below are some of the sustainable permaculture practices that we observed at Rio Muchacho during our stay. Even though there are always things that need improvement and practice, I find that Rio Muchacho Farm is a huge positive influence for solving many of the ecólogical problems we face today in the planet.
WASTE
- No Trash or Recyclable Bins Available
- All water and organic material used is properly re-used in it;s cycle
FOOD - GARDEN
- Organic Food Farming (Plenty for the community and to sell)
- Organic Food Farming (Plenty for the community and to sell)
- Three Daily Healthy Organic Meals
- Methane gas (For Cooking)
- Seed Saving
- Several Cabins - Natural Building (The farm fits about 60 people)
COMPOST
- Dry Compostable Bathrooms
- Pigs for manure (Manure for compost and methane gas)
- Horses for manure (for riding and heavy labor - manure for compost)
- Cuyes (Guinea Pigs) (Manure for compost)
- Vermi Compost (long beds with worms)
-Free-roaming chickens (They help pick and turn the compost over)
-Free-roaming chickens (They help pick and turn the compost over)
ENERGY
- Minimal use of electricity
- Solar Energy (Used when the grid cuts off the energy)
- Old bicycle reused as a water pump
CONSTRUCTION
- Natural buildings using palm, bamboo, and wood for houses, pavilions, and dining hall.
- Home made furniture: Tables, beds, leaving rooms, bathrooms and more..
CONSTRUCTION
- Natural buildings using palm, bamboo, and wood for houses, pavilions, and dining hall.
- Home made furniture: Tables, beds, leaving rooms, bathrooms and more..
WATER
- Water Cisterns (Collected from the river for showers and sinks)
- Water Harvesting (To then filter the water for drinking)
- Filtered Water (Another system is used for filtered water)
- Sustainable Showers reusing water from the river and then sent back to the plants and
trees (Using biodegradable soaps)
- Used water from the kitchen goes through a three stage cleaning tank before it goes back to the soil. For trees and other plant species (not for food garden). The Kitchen also uses biodegradable soap as well as a 3 stage cleaning process to wash dishes. Conserving and reusing water as much as possible.
PROGRAMS
- Tour and layout of the farm with it’s working Permaculture System Design
- An Environmental School for kids k-6 (Escuela Ambientalista Rio Muchacho)
- Permaculture Courses
- Eco Tourism Programs
- Volunteer and Internship Programs
- Cultural Art and Crafts Workshops
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST
- Book exchange library
- Hands on Permaculture
- 3 abundant meals a day
- Community Living
- Rest areas
- Beautiful Nature
After an enriching experience, expanding our knowledge, and meeting some cool people, we head back to Canoa for a day.
After an enriching experience, expanding our knowledge, and meeting some cool people, we head back to Canoa for a day.
Montañita / Jan 10th -Jan 12th
For the weekend, we decided to go to Montanita, a bohemian beach town, just 240 km south of Canoa. The pace and vibe here was very different from the organic farm, albeit welcome, as it attracts mostly young party-goers, surfers, artists, and tourists.
Upon our arrival in the evening, it was easy to see that we had come during peak season. The streets were lined with food vendors, jewelry vendors, and street performers. After we settled in our hostel, we decided to go check out the nightlife! As I may have mentioned before, Montañita is a bit of a party town, therefore, the party is pretty much everywhere. There are a handful of larger nightclubs that charge a small cover to get in, usually with a perk such as a free drink or open bar. These kinds of places usually play House music or top radio hits. And then there are outdoor bar vendors who sling tiki-bar type drinks for $3 and blast reggae-ton and salsa, encouraging people to dance right in the middle of the street. We also came across a live band playing in the middle of an intersection. On top of all that, there’s the beach where there are more people, food vendors, beer slingers, and music.
As we neared the end of our night, we certainly could not avoid noticing the growing heaps of trash and bottles every couple of steps. There were disposal bins but it looked like they quickly filled up and all sense of organization was quickly abandoned as the night went on.
The next day, we got up and headed to the beach. On our way there, we noticed a couple of kids taking full bags of recycling away from the beach. There was still a considerable amount of trash on the beach from the night before, which was nothing short of upsetting. But- it sparked an idea in which we could set-up a table near the beach to provide general outreach and information about our oceans, pollution, and taking care of our planet. There could also be an exchange program in which people bring back trash, like cigarette butts, in exchange for a bottle of water, a henna tattoo, or good vibes. Montañita is the perfect place for outreach because of the high foot traffic and people coming from all over South America. A lot of the people we met were from Argentina, Venezuela, and Colombia.
And so that day we relaxed for a bit walking down to the end of the beach, admiring colorful stones along the way. We reached the end and could see that it was much rockier and full of tide pools, beckoning us to take a closer look at marine life.
Later in the evening, we had the opportunity to connect with a gentleman by the name of Luis. He runs Soluna Cafe and Tea Bar, a sustainable restaurant where most of the organic food is produced from his own organic farm
just outside of town,
as well as collaborating with other conscious local farmers. We look forward to touring his farm on our next visit and connecting with the sustainable community here in order to build relationship and help expand sustainable living.
 |
| Soluna Cafe- Coca Leaf Tea and Coca Leaf/Maracuya/Ginger Mojito Photo by Cleo, mystikspiralz on Instagram |
No comments:
Post a Comment